The Taliban has announced that it will resume issuing passports from Sunday at Kabul's passport office. This comes in as thousands of Afghans applied for new travel documents to get away from the growing economic and humanitarian crisis in the region.&nbsp;

Afghanistan had already been facing chronic poverty and drought but the situation worsened since the Taliban seized power.&nbsp; 
Alam Gul Haqqani, the head of the passport department in the interior ministry said, "All the technical issues have now been resolved."

He further added that initially travel documents will be given to those who had already applied before the suspension. However, the new applications will be accepted from January 10.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/amid-concerns-of-extreme-poverty-taliban-manages-to-prepare-new-afghan-budget-437814">Also read |&nbsp;Amid concerns of extreme poverty, Taliban manages to prepare new Afghan budget</a>

The United Nations has described the current situation in Afghanistan as an "avalanche of hunger".

Foreign donors have suspended aid to Afghanistan after the Taliban took over. Also, the IMF had said that its engagement with Afghanistan will remain suspended until there is clarity on the recognition of the government led by the Taliban.

The IMF had also said that it is deeply concerned with the difficult economic situation in Afghanistan and the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.

“We have said the immediate focus should indeed be on that humanitarian situation, aid to help the Afghanistan people; and allowing the flow of remittances and small-scale transfers; and providing assistance to countries hosting Afghan refugees,” it said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Taliban has announced that it will resume issuing passports from Sunday at Kabul's passport office. This comes in as thousands of Afghans applied for new travel documents to get away from the growing economic and humanitarian crisis in the region.

The Taliban has announced that it will resume issuing passports from Sunday at Kabul's passport office. This comes in as thousands of Afghans applied for new travel documents to get away from the growing economic and humanitarian crisis in the region. Afghanistan had already been facing chronic poverty and drought but the situation worsened since the Taliban seized power. Alam Gul Haqqani, the head of the passport department in the interior ministry said, "All the technical issues have now been resolved." He further added that initially travel documents will be given to those who had already applied before the suspension. However, the new applications will be accepted from January 10. Also read | Amid concerns of extreme poverty, Taliban manages to prepare new Afghan budget The United Nations has described the current situation in Afghanistan as an "avalanche of hunger". Foreign donors have suspended aid to Afghanistan after the Taliban took over. Also, the IMF had said that its engagement with Afghanistan will remain suspended until there is clarity on the recognition of the government led by the Taliban. The IMF had also said that it is deeply concerned with the difficult economic situation in Afghanistan and the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. “We have said the immediate focus should indeed be on that humanitarian situation, aid to help the Afghanistan people; and allowing the flow of remittances and small-scale transfers; and providing assistance to countries hosting Afghan refugees,” it said. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban authorities to resume issuing passports in Kabul amid humanitarian crisis

Pakistan is hosting an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign ministers' meet on Afghanistan. The idea was proposed by Saudi Arabia last month.&nbsp;

The idea behind the meet is to organise economic assistance for Afghanistan. The nation had already been facing chronic poverty and drought but the situation worsened since the Taliban seized power, along with the disruption of aid. The IMF had said that its engagement with Afghanistan will remain suspended until there is clarity on the recognition of the government led by the Taliban.

Foreign Ministers from Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar will be present at the meeting. Afghanistan's interim government and several other ministers will also be present. However, they won't be taking part in the meeting but will get a chance to engage.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/amid-concerns-of-extreme-poverty-taliban-manages-to-prepare-new-afghan-budget-437814">Also read |&nbsp;Amid concerns of extreme poverty, Taliban manages to prepare new Afghan budget</a>

Pakistan has announced the suspension of phone services in the capital city Islamabad during the session. Services will be blocked from Islamabad Airport to the Red Zone.&nbsp;

Foreign ministers from countries like the US, UK, Germany, France, Russia and China have also been invited.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, in the latest development, Afghanistan's finance ministry has managed to draft a national budget under the Taliban government. This has happened for the first time in two decades without being funded by foreign aid.&nbsp;

As of now, the size of the budget has not been disclosed. Finance ministry spokesman Ahmad Wali Haqmal while speaking to AFP said that it would go to the cabinet for approval before being published.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-hosting-oic-foreign-ministers-meet-on-afghanistan-437845/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Pakistan is hosting an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign ministers' meet on Afghanistan. The idea was proposed by Saudi Arabia last month. The idea behind the meet is to organise economic assistance for Afghanistan.

Pakistan is hosting an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign ministers' meet on Afghanistan. The idea was proposed by Saudi Arabia last month. The idea behind the meet is to organise economic assistance for Afghanistan. The nation had already been facing chronic poverty and drought but the situation worsened since the Taliban seized power, along with the disruption of aid. The IMF had said that its engagement with Afghanistan will remain suspended until there is clarity on the recognition of the government led by the Taliban. Foreign Ministers from Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar will be present at the meeting. Afghanistan's interim government and several other ministers will also be present. However, they won't be taking part in the meeting but will get a chance to engage. Also read | Amid concerns of extreme poverty, Taliban manages to prepare new Afghan budget Pakistan has announced the suspension of phone services in the capital city Islamabad during the session. Services will be blocked from Islamabad Airport to the Red Zone. Foreign ministers from countries like the US, UK, Germany, France, Russia and China have also been invited. Meanwhile, in the latest development, Afghanistan's finance ministry has managed to draft a national budget under the Taliban government. This has happened for the first time in two decades without being funded by foreign aid. As of now, the size of the budget has not been disclosed. Finance ministry spokesman Ahmad Wali Haqmal while speaking to AFP said that it would go to the cabinet for approval before being published. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan is hosting OIC meeting to organise economic assistance for Afghanistan

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi stated that coming together of the members of the international community and the Taliban at the same platform at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meet in Islamabad would prove to be a stepping stone in finding solutions to the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

Pakistan: OIC foreign ministers' meet on Afghanistan to address crisis

In 2021, the Taliban in Afghanistan became the "new normal" for the world that watched the insurgent group's shocking takeover of Kabul on their television screens.

In 2021, the Taliban in Afghanistan became the "new normal" for the world that watched the insurgent group's shocking takeover of Kabul on their television screens. The situation, however, was extremely difficult for those who experienced the change first hand. Wielding machine guns, the Taliban soldiers roamed the streets and swept across Afghanistan, taking control of towns and cities. They managed to change the political map of the country in over ten days as the deadline neared for the NATO allies to withdraw their troops. Taliban soldiers captured the first provincial capital on August 6 and they completed the takeover on August 15 after entering the gates of Kabul. The Taliban take over led to a mass evacuation of people, who were willing to flee the country and migrate to other nations after former President Ashraf Ghani fled the country, leaving thousands of countrymen's fate uncertain. Images and videos from the initial days after the Taliban's control portrayed a picture of chaos and lawlessness, which became every day's tale with news about blasts and stories about injustice coming in from different parts of the country. Economic crisis Afghanistan has been tremendously dependent on foreign aid and faced financial challenges after the Taliban's control as some of the major donors halted their support for the country. The economic crisis is not only because of the freezing of funds, but the country faced challenges of drought caused by global warming. People in the country faced severe financial struggles as a recent report by AFP mentioned that many people in the capital Kabul resorted to selling household goods to buy food to eat, buy coal to heat their homes in the winter and fulfil other basic amenities. ALSO READ | US sets up commission to assess Afghanistan failures However, a sigh of relief came when international donors recently agreed to release $280 million in aid to Afghanistan. The Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) will go "to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan at this critical time," the World Bank said in a statement, which was released on Friday (December 10). As per repeated warnings by the United Nations, Afghanistan is on the brink of the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Status of women The status of women in Afghanistan remains uncertain. Recently, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the United Nations highlighted the status of women in Afghanistan and how it is impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) called for concrete actions to end violence against women. A release by UNAMA read, "The global community needs to listen to the voices and experiences of Afghan women and girls and urgently respond to their needs, especially survivors of violence and those who face multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination." ALSO READ | After Taliban takeover, over 100 extrajudicial killings held in Afghanistan, says UN The Taliban administration released a set of restrictions on Afghan media, including banning television dramas that included female actors and ordering women news presenters to wear "Islamic hijab". During the Taliban's previous rule, strict curbs were placed on women. Uncertain future The Taliban have pledged a softer rule as compared to their first stint in power in the 1990s, however, the future of the country is filled with uncertainties. Ever since the takeover, the Taliban want to be recognised by the international community and they showcase the Taliban 2.0 regime as a legitimate government with a proper set-up, comprising of different ministries, even justice ministry. The second half of 2021 belonged to the Taliban and its changed narratives with the world, but what's in store for Taliban in 2022 - the future will tell. ×

Rewind 2021: When Taliban in Afghanistan became the 'new normal'

Taking note of the Taliban's victory over the US military in Afghanistan, the US Congress voted on Wednesday to create a commission to assess the 20-year war's failures.

After similar overwhelming approval last week by the House of Representatives, the Senate passed the $768 billion annual defence package 89-10.&nbsp;

President Joe Biden, whose controversial withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan ended America's longest war, is expected to sign the National Defense Authorization Act.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/painkiller-epidemic-us-targets-chinese-firms-for-addiction-that-claimed-100000-lives-last-year-437262" hreflang="en">'Painkiller epidemic': US targets Chinese firms for addiction that claimed 100,000 lives last year</a>

The Commission on Afghanistan will consist of 16 members appointed by the two major parties. It was given a deadline to produce a preliminary report within one year of its first meeting, followed by a final report within three years.

"The Commission shall conduct a comprehensive assessment of the war in Afghanistan and make recommendations to inform future operations with tactical and strategic lessons learned, including the impact of troop increases and decreases and date-certain deadlines," the legislation said.

After taking office in 2009, President Barack Obama sent tens of thousands of troops to Afghanistan, but later withdrew most of them.&nbsp;

During the administration of his successor Donald Trump, a deal was then negotiated with the Taliban that set a May 2021 deadline for the departure of US troops.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-develops-new-software-to-predict-actions-that-can-trigger-outsized-chinese-reactions-437252" hreflang="en">US develops new software to predict actions that can trigger 'outsized' Chinese reactions</a>

In addition, the commission will examine George W. Bush's launch of the war and US policy toward Afghanistan before 2001, when the September 11 attacks triggered the US invasion that overthrew the Taliban's draconian rule.

Taiwan also received strong congressional support in the National Defense Authorization Act amid rising tensions with China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting reunification.

A provision of the act calls on the United States to develop Taiwan's asymmetric defence capabilities and to invite Taiwan to participate in the Rim of the Pacific exercise in 2022, a major US-led exercise that takes place every two years around Hawaii.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: U.S-UAE rift? Emiratis threaten to scrap F-35 deal

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-uae-rift-emiratis-threaten-to-scrap-f-35-deal-437235/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As a result of the bill, US defence spending will increase by $28 billion from last year, most of the increase not requested by the Biden administration.

It includes a raise of 2.7 per cent for both military service members and civilian workers at the Defense Department.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taking note of the Taliban's victory over the US military in Afghanistan, the US Congress voted on Wednesday to create a commission to assess the 20-year war's failures.

Taking note of the Taliban's victory over the US military in Afghanistan, the US Congress voted on Wednesday to create a commission to assess the 20-year war's failures. After similar overwhelming approval last week by the House of Representatives, the Senate passed the $768 billion annual defence package 89-10. President Joe Biden, whose controversial withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan ended America's longest war, is expected to sign the National Defense Authorization Act. Also read | 'Painkiller epidemic': US targets Chinese firms for addiction that claimed 100,000 lives last year The Commission on Afghanistan will consist of 16 members appointed by the two major parties. It was given a deadline to produce a preliminary report within one year of its first meeting, followed by a final report within three years. "The Commission shall conduct a comprehensive assessment of the war in Afghanistan and make recommendations to inform future operations with tactical and strategic lessons learned, including the impact of troop increases and decreases and date-certain deadlines," the legislation said. After taking office in 2009, President Barack Obama sent tens of thousands of troops to Afghanistan, but later withdrew most of them. During the administration of his successor Donald Trump, a deal was then negotiated with the Taliban that set a May 2021 deadline for the departure of US troops. Also read | US develops new software to predict actions that can trigger 'outsized' Chinese reactions In addition, the commission will examine George W. Bush's launch of the war and US policy toward Afghanistan before 2001, when the September 11 attacks triggered the US invasion that overthrew the Taliban's draconian rule. Taiwan also received strong congressional support in the National Defense Authorization Act amid rising tensions with China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting reunification. A provision of the act calls on the United States to develop Taiwan's asymmetric defence capabilities and to invite Taiwan to participate in the Rim of the Pacific exercise in 2022, a major US-led exercise that takes place every two years around Hawaii. Watch | Gravitas: U.S-UAE rift? Emiratis threaten to scrap F-35 deal As a result of the bill, US defence spending will increase by $28 billion from last year, most of the increase not requested by the Biden administration. It includes a raise of 2.7 per cent for both military service members and civilian workers at the Defense Department. (With inputs from agencies)

US sets up commission to assess Afghanistan failures

From the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq to Guantanamo Bay near Cuba, American soldiers have left a trail of blood and death. Their war crimes are well-documented, yet ignored. Palki Sharma lists out America's crimes in the last two decades.

Gravitas: From Iraq to Afghanistan: America's trail of deaths

More than 100 former Afghan national security forces and others have been killed since the Taliban takeover in August, most at the hands of the hardline Islamist group which is recruiting boy soldiers and quashing women's rights, states the UN.

UN: Taliban rule marked by killings, denial of women's rights | Afghanistan

Former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai has said, in a surprising turn of events, that Taliban were invited to Kabul before they took over the capital city. Karzai said that he had invited the Taliban. The group had agreed to wait outside Kabul in order to discuss power-sharing agreement.

US-backed government in Afghanistan fell swiftly after foreign troops left the country. The power was seized by the Taliban on August 15 this year.

"It was a request to come in and protect the population, so that the country, the city doesn't fall into chaos. and the unwanted elements who would probably loot the country, loot shops...," he said in an interview with the Associated Press.

The day the Taliban came into power they told Karzai that government officials should stay in their place and they would not invade. "I and others spoke to various officials and assurances were given to us that, yes, that was the case, that the Americans and the government forces were holding firm to the places [and] that Kabul would not fall," Karzai said.

As negotiations were happening, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and other government officials left the country, in a move that hindered a peaceful transition agreement, said Karzai. He was quoted by Washington-based publication The Hill

The former Afghanistan President, who has been at the helm of humanitarian affairs in Afghanistan, has been holding talks with UN officials and other stakeholders in the country.

Karzai said that the Taliban government must now do all that is necessary within the country to safeguard the interests of all Afghans. 
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan is threatening basic rights, with women, girls, and civil society among those most affected.

On Tuesday, a senior UN rights official said that respect for fundamental rights and freedoms by authorities in Afghanistan is critical to ensuring stability in the country.

"How the de facto authorities - indeed, and the international community - address the drastic economic and humanitarian crises in the country will determine Afghans' enjoyment of human rights, now and into the future," said Nada Al-Nashif, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, during a press briefing.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai has said, in a surprising turn of events, that Taliban were invited to Kabul before they took over the capital city. Karzai said that he had invited the Taliban.

Former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai has said, in a surprising turn of events, that Taliban were invited to Kabul before they took over the capital city. Karzai said that he had invited the Taliban. The group had agreed to wait outside Kabul in order to discuss power-sharing agreement. US-backed government in Afghanistan fell swiftly after foreign troops left the country. The power was seized by the Taliban on August 15 this year. "It was a request to come in and protect the population, so that the country, the city doesn't fall into chaos. and the unwanted elements who would probably loot the country, loot shops...," he said in an interview with the Associated Press. The day the Taliban came into power they told Karzai that government officials should stay in their place and they would not invade. "I and others spoke to various officials and assurances were given to us that, yes, that was the case, that the Americans and the government forces were holding firm to the places [and] that Kabul would not fall," Karzai said. As negotiations were happening, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and other government officials left the country, in a move that hindered a peaceful transition agreement, said Karzai. He was quoted by Washington-based publication The Hill The former Afghanistan President, who has been at the helm of humanitarian affairs in Afghanistan, has been holding talks with UN officials and other stakeholders in the country. Karzai said that the Taliban government must now do all that is necessary within the country to safeguard the interests of all Afghans. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan is threatening basic rights, with women, girls, and civil society among those most affected. On Tuesday, a senior UN rights official said that respect for fundamental rights and freedoms by authorities in Afghanistan is critical to ensuring stability in the country. "How the de facto authorities - indeed, and the international community - address the drastic economic and humanitarian crises in the country will determine Afghans' enjoyment of human rights, now and into the future," said Nada Al-Nashif, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, during a press briefing. (With inputs from agencies)

I invited Taliban to Kabul, says former Afghan president Hamid Karzai

In an interview, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai offered some of the first insights into the secret and sudden departure of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and how he came to invite the Taliban into the city.

Invited the Taliban to prevent chaos in Afghanistan, says Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai

Pentagon makes it clear that none of their military personnel will be held accountable for the last US drone strike in war-torn Afghanistan.

No US troops to be held accountable for last airstrike in Afghanistan

As Taliban took over Afghanistan, locals complained about deteriorating human rights and crashing economy. Now, the health system seems to be on a decline too.<o:p></o:p>

Western medical experts have warned the world that Afghanistan’s health system is on the brink of collapse and the situation only seems to be getting worse.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-afghanistan-continues-to-battle-poverty-donors-approve-release-of-280m-435954">As Afghanistan continues to battle poverty, donors approve release of $280M</a></o:p>

Experts have claimed that since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan on August 15, western sanctions against the terrorist organisation have continued, leading the civilians into a state of helplessness and poverty. These sanctions have led to decreasing monetary funds. <o:p></o:p>

Due to the lack of funds, several medical staff around the country have not been paid for the past few months, health facilities are struggling to procure basic items needed for treatment of patients and lack of hygiene in the sterile area.<o:p></o:p>

“None of the staff have received salaries for months, though most are still coming in. There is hardly any medicine and they are cutting tress in the courtyard to heat the rooms because there is no gas. They’ve also sent their ventilators to the Afghan Japan hospital to treat Covid cases but that is also struggling,” said Dr Paul Spiegel, director of the Center for Humanitarian health at Johns Hopkins University. He recently went on a five-week trip to Afghanistan and observed that basic necessities of hospitals such as hygiene products, food, colostomy bags and more were missing from the facilities due to lack of funding.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-economic-collapse-is-happening-before-our-eyes-un-435781">Afghanistan's economic collapse is happening 'before our eyes': UN</a></o:p>

“It’s really bad and it is going to get a lot worse,” Spiegel, a former chief of public health at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees among other high-profile humanitarian assignments, told the Guardian. “There are six simultaneous disease outbreaks: cholera, a massive measles outbreak, polio, malaria and dengue fever, and that is in addition to the coronavirus pandemic.”<o:p></o:p>

While the whole world is fighting the coronavirus pandemic, Afghanistan’s COVID-19 response measures have come to a complete halt.<o:p></o:p>

He also added that the situation seems to be worse in areas outside Kabul. “There is a provincial hospital in Sarobi outside Kabul I visited. There was insufficient water and soap for hygiene protocols,” he said. “There was a small child who had been born at the hospital with an anal fistula. She was so sick that they had put a colostomy in but they had no bags and so they were using whatever material find – like toilet paper – to collect from the colostomy.”<o:p></o:p>

As Taliban took over Afghanistan, locals complained about deteriorating human rights and crashing economy. Now, the health system seems to be on a decline too. Western medical experts have warned the world that Afghanistan’s health system is on the brink of collapse and the situation only seems to be getting worse.

As Taliban took over Afghanistan, locals complained about deteriorating human rights and crashing economy. Now, the health system seems to be on a decline too. Western medical experts have warned the world that Afghanistan’s health system is on the brink of collapse and the situation only seems to be getting worse. Also read | As Afghanistan continues to battle poverty, donors approve release of $280M Experts have claimed that since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan on August 15, western sanctions against the terrorist organisation have continued, leading the civilians into a state of helplessness and poverty. These sanctions have led to decreasing monetary funds. Due to the lack of funds, several medical staff around the country have not been paid for the past few months, health facilities are struggling to procure basic items needed for treatment of patients and lack of hygiene in the sterile area. “None of the staff have received salaries for months, though most are still coming in. There is hardly any medicine and they are cutting tress in the courtyard to heat the rooms because there is no gas. They’ve also sent their ventilators to the Afghan Japan hospital to treat Covid cases but that is also struggling,” said Dr Paul Spiegel, director of the Center for Humanitarian health at Johns Hopkins University. He recently went on a five-week trip to Afghanistan and observed that basic necessities of hospitals such as hygiene products, food, colostomy bags and more were missing from the facilities due to lack of funding. Also read | Afghanistan's economic collapse is happening 'before our eyes': UN “It’s really bad and it is going to get a lot worse,” Spiegel, a former chief of public health at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees among other high-profile humanitarian assignments, told the Guardian. “There are six simultaneous disease outbreaks: cholera, a massive measles outbreak, polio, malaria and dengue fever, and that is in addition to the coronavirus pandemic.” While the whole world is fighting the coronavirus pandemic, Afghanistan’s COVID-19 response measures have come to a complete halt. He also added that the situation seems to be worse in areas outside Kabul. “There is a provincial hospital in Sarobi outside Kabul I visited. There was insufficient water and soap for hygiene protocols,” he said. “There was a small child who had been born at the hospital with an anal fistula. She was so sick that they had put a colostomy in but they had no bags and so they were using whatever material find – like toilet paper – to collect from the colostomy.”

Afghanistan's health system on verge of collapse, and it is getting worse: Experts

Dead or alive? 4 months after the Taliban overran Kabul, their supreme leader remains an enigma. Mariam Wardak brings you a special report from Hibatullah Akhundzada's birthplace in rural Kandahar.

South Asia Diary | Dead or alive? Tracking the Taliban's emir

The US' Pentagon has said that no American troops or officials will be held accountable for a drone strike that killed 10 people in Afghanistan in August.

No US troops to be held accountable for Kabul drone strike, says Pentagon

Afghan activist Omaid, who fled Afghanistan during the Taliban takeover, wishes to revive the Afghan art scene in Afghanistan.

Afghan activist who fled Afghanistan amid Taliban takeover vows to revive Afghan art

Pentagon: No military personnel to be held accountable for last US drone strike in Afghanistan

The Pentagon has announced that no US troops or officials responsible will face disciplinary action for the Kabul airstrike that killed 10 Afghan civilians.

The drone strike took place in the final days of the US-led evacuation of Kabul on August 29, after the Taliban ousted the civilian government and took control of the country.

Spokesman John Kirby on Monday said that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had received a high-level review of the strike which made no recommendation of accountability.

“He approved their recommendations,” Kirby said. “The secretary is not … calling for additional accountability measures.”

The US officials carried out the drone strike near the international airport in Kabul against the ISIS-K militants who were readying themselves to launch another suicide attack at the Hamid Karzai International Airport.

They claimed to have successfully killed the Islamic State – Khorasan (ISIS-K militants), but a survey of the area and interview of the civilians done by WION revealed that the strike actually claimed the lives of civilians.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-apologise-us-admits-kabul-airstrike-killed-10-civilians-not-isis-k-militants-413889">'We apologise': US admits Kabul airstrike killed 10 civilians, not ISIS-K militants</a>

That strike killed an aid worker, along with his nieces and nephews.

In early November, an initial report carried out by the US air force inspector general, Lt Gen Sami Said, called the strike tragic but “an honest mistake”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-drone-strike-may-have-killed-aid-worker-children-and-not-isis-k-militants-reports-412228">US drone strike may have killed aid worker, children, and not ISIS-K militants: Reports</a>

But the probe committee has absolved all the US troops and officials responsible for the attack.

“What we saw here was a breakdown in process, in execution and procedural events, not the result of negligence, not the result of misconduct, not the result of poor leadership,” said Kirby.

If Austin “believed … that accountability was warranted, he would certainly support those kinds of efforts”, Kirby added.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Pentagon has announced that no US troops or officials responsible will face disciplinary action for the Kabul airstrike that killed 10 Afghan civilians. The drone strike took place in the final days of the US-led evacuation of Kabul on August 29, after the Taliban ousted the civilian government and took control of the country.

The Pentagon has announced that no US troops or officials responsible will face disciplinary action for the Kabul airstrike that killed 10 Afghan civilians. The drone strike took place in the final days of the US-led evacuation of Kabul on August 29, after the Taliban ousted the civilian government and took control of the country. Spokesman John Kirby on Monday said that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had received a high-level review of the strike which made no recommendation of accountability. “He approved their recommendations,” Kirby said. “The secretary is not … calling for additional accountability measures.” The US officials carried out the drone strike near the international airport in Kabul against the ISIS-K militants who were readying themselves to launch another suicide attack at the Hamid Karzai International Airport. They claimed to have successfully killed the Islamic State – Khorasan (ISIS-K militants), but a survey of the area and interview of the civilians done by WION revealed that the strike actually claimed the lives of civilians. Also read | 'We apologise': US admits Kabul airstrike killed 10 civilians, not ISIS-K militants That strike killed an aid worker, along with his nieces and nephews. In early November, an initial report carried out by the US air force inspector general, Lt Gen Sami Said, called the strike tragic but “an honest mistake”. Also read | US drone strike may have killed aid worker, children, and not ISIS-K militants: Reports But the probe committee has absolved all the US troops and officials responsible for the attack. “What we saw here was a breakdown in process, in execution and procedural events, not the result of negligence, not the result of misconduct, not the result of poor leadership,” said Kirby. If Austin “believed … that accountability was warranted, he would certainly support those kinds of efforts”, Kirby added. (With inputs from agencies)

No US troops to be punished for Kabul airstrike that killed 10 civilians, says Pentagon

Afghanistan activist Omaid Sharifi had fled Kabul during the Taliban takeover has vowed to revive the country's art scene. Sharifi had spent seven years transforming stretches of Kabul's labyrinthine concrete blast walls with colourful murals.

Afghanistan artist fled Kabul amid Taliban takeover vows to revive country's art

After fleeing violence and uncertainty in war-torn Afghanistan, as refugees in Istanbul, they are now forced to take up menial jobs to make ends meet.

Afghan refugees in Istanbul are forced to take up menial jobs such as cleaning trash to survive

Maintaining a relationship with Pakistan seems to remain of interest to the United States. In the latest, according to a recent news report by Dawn, all references to Pakistan have been dropped from a bill that earlier sought to blame Pakistan for aiding the Taliban in taking control of Kabul back in August.

In the US National Defence Act of 2022, it was originally written that the US secretaries of defence and state must certify to a relevant congressional committee that providing "covered support" to Pakistan was in the national security interests of the United States.

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However, in the amended version, the word "Pakistan" has been struck out and “any country in the near abroad of Afghanistan” has been substituted.

According to the news report, the original text also had additional references to the Taliban's unexpected victory in Kabul. In addition, the original text gave a reference that sought to determine the role Pakistan played in this. The amended version does not mention either of these references.

Despite this, the act contains a condition that probes the effects and causes of the US withdrawal. Instead of mentioning a particular country, it suggests the creation of a commission to study Afghanistan's immediate and distant neighbours' roles in this regard.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/talks-with-pakistan-on-counterterrorism-measures-to-continue-says-us-wendy-sherman-419349">Talks with Pakistan on counterterrorism measures to continue, says US' Wendy Sherman</a>

In another indication of the US's continued interest in maintaining, at least, a working relationship with Pakistan came earlier this month, when the Biden administration invited Islamabad to its inaugural democracy summit in Washington on December 9 and 10.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan factory manager's tragic death in Sialkot seems to have intensified concerns about the security situation in Pakistan as American officials become more secretive about official US visits to Pakistan.

An American Senate delegation visited Pakistan soon after the lynching of Sri Lankan factory manager Priyantha Kumar on Dec 3.

In their meeting with Imran Khan on Saturday, the delegation expressed their desire to maintain friendly relations with Pakistan.

Watch |&nbsp;Days after TTP ends ceasefire agreement, steady rise in attack on Pakistan's security forces

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News of their arrival and meetings in Islamabad came out after the delegation had already left, apparently at the direction of the US.

Pakistan has been a concern for the United States and other Western nations since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, but Washington had over time slowly eased up. &nbsp;

In fact, US officials had begun talking about future Pakistan visits, although schedules were not announced. However, after the tragedy in Sialkot, the Americans seem to have reverted to their old practice of talking about a Pakistan visit only after the event has ended.

Maintaining a relationship with Pakistan seems to remain of interest to the United States. In the latest, according to a recent news report by Dawn, all references to Pakistan have been dropped from a bill that earlier sought to blame Pakistan for aiding the Taliban in taking control of Kabul back in August.

Maintaining a relationship with Pakistan seems to remain of interest to the United States. In the latest, according to a recent news report by Dawn, all references to Pakistan have been dropped from a bill that earlier sought to blame Pakistan for aiding the Taliban in taking control of Kabul back in August. In the US National Defence Act of 2022, it was originally written that the US secretaries of defence and state must certify to a relevant congressional committee that providing "covered support" to Pakistan was in the national security interests of the United States. Also read | US abruptly cuts Taiwanese minister's video at 'Summit for Democracy 2021' However, in the amended version, the word "Pakistan" has been struck out and “any country in the near abroad of Afghanistan” has been substituted. According to the news report, the original text also had additional references to the Taliban's unexpected victory in Kabul. In addition, the original text gave a reference that sought to determine the role Pakistan played in this. The amended version does not mention either of these references. Despite this, the act contains a condition that probes the effects and causes of the US withdrawal. Instead of mentioning a particular country, it suggests the creation of a commission to study Afghanistan's immediate and distant neighbours' roles in this regard. Also read | Talks with Pakistan on counterterrorism measures to continue, says US' Wendy Sherman In another indication of the US's continued interest in maintaining, at least, a working relationship with Pakistan came earlier this month, when the Biden administration invited Islamabad to its inaugural democracy summit in Washington on December 9 and 10. Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan factory manager's tragic death in Sialkot seems to have intensified concerns about the security situation in Pakistan as American officials become more secretive about official US visits to Pakistan. An American Senate delegation visited Pakistan soon after the lynching of Sri Lankan factory manager Priyantha Kumar on Dec 3. In their meeting with Imran Khan on Saturday, the delegation expressed their desire to maintain friendly relations with Pakistan. Watch | Days after TTP ends ceasefire agreement, steady rise in attack on Pakistan's security forces News of their arrival and meetings in Islamabad came out after the delegation had already left, apparently at the direction of the US. Pakistan has been a concern for the United States and other Western nations since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, but Washington had over time slowly eased up. In fact, US officials had begun talking about future Pakistan visits, although schedules were not announced. However, after the tragedy in Sialkot, the Americans seem to have reverted to their old practice of talking about a Pakistan visit only after the event has ended.

Even as Washington tries to maintain friendly relations with Pakistan, its actions indicate concern

India sent its first medical consignment containing life-saving medicines to Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover. The medicines will bring a sigh of relief for Afghan people amid a humanitarian crisis in the south-Asian country.

India sends life-saving medicines to war-torn Afghanistan amid a humanitarian crisis

Afghanistan’s envoy to India Farid Mamundzay has warned of a "catastrophic situation" in his country.

"People are not getting paid on time, there is little business activities. There is a humanitarian crisis, unfolding economic crisis," he said.

Since the Taliban's takeover in August, the country has slid in every parameter, even as the onset of winters has worsened the situation in the country.&nbsp;

Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Mamundzay thanked New Delhi for its&nbsp;pledge to send 50,000 MT of wheat to the country.

He said, 'India has time and again proved to be a close and reliable friend of the Afghan people and stood by us at a difficult time." The envoy called for more visas by India for Afghans, especially students who have to continue their studies in Indian universities.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-narendra-modi-unveils-saryu-canal-national-project-to-benefit-29-lakh-farmers-436044" hreflang="en">Indian PM Modi unveils Saryu Canal National Project to benefit 29 lakh farmers</a>

In the first-ever extensive interview to any India-based channel since the Taliban takeover in August, envoy Mamundzay pointed how the last four&nbsp;months have been "difficult, emotionally and administratively and financially" for the mission and its diplomats but he pointed, "We can't pack up and leave. We have moral obligations and responsibility towards our people and country to continue serving them."

WION: Your reaction to the humanitarian support of 50,000 MT of wheat to the Afghanistan people? 
Farid Mamundzay: Yes, India has time and again proved to be a close and reliable friend of the Afghan people and stood by us at a difficult time. The generous act of helping us with 50,000 MT of wheat with lifesaving medicines and half a million covid vaccines is something that is greatly needed in times of crisis and we are grateful for this assistance and support.

WION: But there are certain challenges, given it as to use Pakistani territory, and do you&nbsp;expect more such humanitarian support? 
Farid Mamundzay: Yes, that was something that was greatly discussed by the Afghan embassy and the Indian government, and the quickest route we found was Pakistan that will take a short period of time to send much-needed assistance to Afghanistan quite quickly. So I hope Pakistan would continue to assist us as they have indicated that they will allow this convey to transit through Pakistan. I hope that spirit will continue in Islamabad to allow the lifesaving drugs and wheat to flow into Afghanistan. The need is dire. The world food program estimates that around 9 million people require urgent food assistance. by end of next year, there will be 3 million malnutritional children. The need is huge and I hope more countries in the region and the globe will come in and elevate the suffering of Afghan people. There were billions of dollars and euros pledged by the international community in Europe last month. I hope more and more assistance would come to help our people at this difficult time.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-economic-collapse-is-happening-before-our-eyes-un-435781" hreflang="en">Afghanistan's economic collapse is happening 'before our eyes': UN</a>

WION: How difficult the situation is in Afghanistan, especially with the onset of the winter 
Farid Mamundzay: The winter is approaching rather fast; most banks are not operating as they were doing in the past. People are leaving in large number for many countries in the region and for western countries and capitals. People are not getting paid on time, there is little business activity. Teachers, Doctors are not being paid. There is a humanitarian crisis, an unfolding economic crisis, it's a catastrophic situation right across the country. The New Taliban regime hasn't been recognized by any country, even after 4 months. It's a difficult situation ordinary Afghans are facing; a lot of challenges and it is time for the international community to rescue and support Afghan people who are facing a difficult time after 20 years of a rather stable period in their lives.

WION: What more do you expect from New Delhi, especially on the issue of visas, visas for Afghan students. 
Farid Mamundzay: We require a lot of assistance from India in terms of humanitarian assistance at this stage. Together with humanitarian assistance we also need visa support. India so far has been kind to issue Afghans 200 visas but for a nation of 40 million people, it is five&nbsp;visas per million people that is certainly not enough and we expect India to help us during this difficult time. There are more than 2500 students stranded in Afghanistan who are in the middle of their studies, some of them in their second and third&nbsp;years. So if they don't come here, resume, and continue their studies they will lose whatever they have done in the past--those 2-3 years are going to be wasted. So, I request the Indian government to consider granting those students visas and consider them bringing them to India. Also, 50,000 people who came here for medical treatment annually, are people with fatal medical conditions. Those people are willing to here for medical treatment. So, people who have a long history of travel to India should be considered. We consider India our historic friend and a strategically and in this difficult hour that hand of cooperation is expected from millions of Afghans to be extended. We hope that policy will be continued to evolve and change and our needs will be considered.&nbsp;

WION: How has been the situation in Afghanistan, politically since the Taliban takeover.&nbsp; 
Farid Mamundzay: Well past four&nbsp;months we are going through an economic, political, and social freefall. The gains of the last 20 years have sadly been reversed or being reversed as we go into the future. So there is not any positive development on many fronts on political, social, and other fronts. The hope of the Afghan people is that we the Afghans reach a stage where we form an inclusive government, where the Taliban will allow shape a government that will be inclusive, where we would have true and fair representation of the entire country. And women would be given due rights, their rightful position in the Afghan society. They make up half of our population and they should be treated with rights, and they deserve dignity and respect. Women should be allowed to go to school and do their jobs. So there are expectations and we hope the international community will continue to engage the Taliban in order to encourage them to take appropriate steps required to put Afghanistan back on a trajectory where people of that country deserve to live a dignified life and not put Afghanistan through a stage where it will become a safe haven and a hub for regional and international terrorism. I hope that would not be repeated and there would be steps taken in order to avoid that.&nbsp;

WION: What is the status of the Afghan embassy, globally, and this one and financial crisis they have been facing... 
Farid Mamundzay: Well for the past four&nbsp;months has been difficult, emotionally and administratively, and financially. Most of the missions including here in India have not been receiving assistance that we used to get in the past from Kabul. But the spirit of our staff is high and they continue to serve the Afghan community and consular service have been running normally. Our focus in India has been on 3 main elements-- we focus greatly on humanitarian and relief assistance, wheat, covid vaccines, medicines and warm clothes, and things that are greatly needed in Afghanistan. So we are largely focused on working on humanitarian assistance to be challenged from India to Afghanistan in close coordination with relevant UN agencies like the world food progamme, world health organisations, and other relevant authorities. The second focus has been to provide consular services. There are 100,000 Afghan citizens living in India who require regular consular services and support. So, our focus is not to hinder, hamper or delay those services. services provisions for our community. The third&nbsp;is educational support for our students. Still, over 15000 Afghan students in India require ongoing support. These three&nbsp;areas are areas of main engagement, along with other diplomatic engagement with the host country here in India and other diplomatic missions. Life has been somewhat different, challenging. We can't pack up and leave. We have moral obligations and responsibility towards our people and country to continue serving them.&nbsp;

Afghanistan’s envoy to India Farid Mamundzay has warned of a "catastrophic situation" in his country. "People are not getting paid on time, there is little business activities.

Afghanistan’s envoy to India Farid Mamundzay has warned of a "catastrophic situation" in his country. "People are not getting paid on time, there is little business activities. There is a humanitarian crisis, unfolding economic crisis," he said. Since the Taliban's takeover in August, the country has slid in every parameter, even as the onset of winters has worsened the situation in the country. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Mamundzay thanked New Delhi for its pledge to send 50,000 MT of wheat to the country. He said, 'India has time and again proved to be a close and reliable friend of the Afghan people and stood by us at a difficult time." The envoy called for more visas by India for Afghans, especially students who have to continue their studies in Indian universities. Also read | Indian PM Modi unveils Saryu Canal National Project to benefit 29 lakh farmers In the first-ever extensive interview to any India-based channel since the Taliban takeover in August, envoy Mamundzay pointed how the last four months have been "difficult, emotionally and administratively and financially" for the mission and its diplomats but he pointed, "We can't pack up and leave. We have moral obligations and responsibility towards our people and country to continue serving them." WION: Your reaction to the humanitarian support of 50,000 MT of wheat to the Afghanistan people? Farid Mamundzay: Yes, India has time and again proved to be a close and reliable friend of the Afghan people and stood by us at a difficult time. The generous act of helping us with 50,000 MT of wheat with lifesaving medicines and half a million covid vaccines is something that is greatly needed in times of crisis and we are grateful for this assistance and support. WION: But there are certain challenges, given it as to use Pakistani territory, and do you expect more such humanitarian support? Farid Mamundzay: Yes, that was something that was greatly discussed by the Afghan embassy and the Indian government, and the quickest route we found was Pakistan that will take a short period of time to send much-needed assistance to Afghanistan quite quickly. So I hope Pakistan would continue to assist us as they have indicated that they will allow this convey to transit through Pakistan. I hope that spirit will continue in Islamabad to allow the lifesaving drugs and wheat to flow into Afghanistan. The need is dire. The world food program estimates that around 9 million people require urgent food assistance. by end of next year, there will be 3 million malnutritional children. The need is huge and I hope more countries in the region and the globe will come in and elevate the suffering of Afghan people. There were billions of dollars and euros pledged by the international community in Europe last month. I hope more and more assistance would come to help our people at this difficult time. Also read | Afghanistan's economic collapse is happening 'before our eyes': UN WION: How difficult the situation is in Afghanistan, especially with the onset of the winter Farid Mamundzay: The winter is approaching rather fast; most banks are not operating as they were doing in the past. People are leaving in large number for many countries in the region and for western countries and capitals. People are not getting paid on time, there is little business activity. Teachers, Doctors are not being paid. There is a humanitarian crisis, an unfolding economic crisis, it's a catastrophic situation right across the country. The New Taliban regime hasn't been recognized by any country, even after 4 months. It's a difficult situation ordinary Afghans are facing; a lot of challenges and it is time for the international community to rescue and support Afghan people who are facing a difficult time after 20 years of a rather stable period in their lives. WION: What more do you expect from New Delhi, especially on the issue of visas, visas for Afghan students. Farid Mamundzay: We require a lot of assistance from India in terms of humanitarian assistance at this stage. Together with humanitarian assistance we also need visa support. India so far has been kind to issue Afghans 200 visas but for a nation of 40 million people, it is five visas per million people that is certainly not enough and we expect India to help us during this difficult time. There are more than 2500 students stranded in Afghanistan who are in the middle of their studies, some of them in their second and third years. So if they don't come here, resume, and continue their studies they will lose whatever they have done in the past--those 2-3 years are going to be wasted. So, I request the Indian government to consider granting those students visas and consider them bringing them to India. Also, 50,000 people who came here for medical treatment annually, are people with fatal medical conditions. Those people are willing to here for medical treatment. So, people who have a long history of travel to India should be considered. We consider India our historic friend and a strategically and in this difficult hour that hand of cooperation is expected from millions of Afghans to be extended. We hope that policy will be continued to evolve and change and our needs will be considered. WION: How has been the situation in Afghanistan, politically since the Taliban takeover. Farid Mamundzay: Well past four months we are going through an economic, political, and social freefall. The gains of the last 20 years have sadly been reversed or being reversed as we go into the future. So there is not any positive development on many fronts on political, social, and other fronts. The hope of the Afghan people is that we the Afghans reach a stage where we form an inclusive government, where the Taliban will allow shape a government that will be inclusive, where we would have true and fair representation of the entire country. And women would be given due rights, their rightful position in the Afghan society. They make up half of our population and they should be treated with rights, and they deserve dignity and respect. Women should be allowed to go to school and do their jobs. So there are expectations and we hope the international community will continue to engage the Taliban in order to encourage them to take appropriate steps required to put Afghanistan back on a trajectory where people of that country deserve to live a dignified life and not put Afghanistan through a stage where it will become a safe haven and a hub for regional and international terrorism. I hope that would not be repeated and there would be steps taken in order to avoid that. WION: What is the status of the Afghan embassy, globally, and this one and financial crisis they have been facing... Farid Mamundzay: Well for the past four months has been difficult, emotionally and administratively, and financially. Most of the missions including here in India have not been receiving assistance that we used to get in the past from Kabul. But the spirit of our staff is high and they continue to serve the Afghan community and consular service have been running normally. Our focus in India has been on 3 main elements-- we focus greatly on humanitarian and relief assistance, wheat, covid vaccines, medicines and warm clothes, and things that are greatly needed in Afghanistan. So we are largely focused on working on humanitarian assistance to be challenged from India to Afghanistan in close coordination with relevant UN agencies like the world food progamme, world health organisations, and other relevant authorities. The second focus has been to provide consular services. There are 100,000 Afghan citizens living in India who require regular consular services and support. So, our focus is not to hinder, hamper or delay those services. services provisions for our community. The third is educational support for our students. Still, over 15000 Afghan students in India require ongoing support. These three areas are areas of main engagement, along with other diplomatic engagement with the host country here in India and other diplomatic missions. Life has been somewhat different, challenging. We can't pack up and leave. We have moral obligations and responsibility towards our people and country to continue serving them.

Catastrophic situation right across the country says Farid Mamundzay, Afghanistan’s envoy to India

Terrorist group Al-Qaeda which was responsible for the gruesome 9/11 terror attack in the US, is attempting to rebuild its presence in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.

Terror groups Al-Qaeda & ISIS-K attempts to rebuild its presence in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan

Since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, the nation has been struggling to battle extreme poverty. There have been reports of many Afghans selling possessions to buy food because the Taliban is unable to pay wages to civil servants. Also, the urban communities are facing food insecurity similar to rural areas.&nbsp;

Around 22 million Afghans, or more than half the country, will be facing an "acute" food shortage in the winter months.

Keeping the current circumstances in mind, several international donors have agreed to release $280 million in aid to the poverty-stricken nation.&nbsp;

A statement issued by World Bank states that the fund from the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) will go "to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan at this critical time."

It added that the funds will go to UNICEF and the World Food Programme, which "have presence and logistics capacity on the ground in Afghanistan and will use these funds to cover financing gaps in their existing programs to deliver health and nutrition services directly to the Afghan people."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-pm-urges-charities-to-keep-offering-aid-as-nation-battles-poverty-432485">Also read |&nbsp;Afghanistan's PM urges charities to keep offering aid as nation battles poverty</a>

The statement states that the UNICEF will receive $100 million while WFP will receive $180 million.

There is also a threat of a “looming humanitarian crisis” in the country. Afghanistan had already been facing chronic poverty and drought but the situation has deteriorated since the Taliban seized power.

In September, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said that its engagement with Afghanistan will remain suspended until there is clarity on the recognition of the government led by the Taliban.

"We ask all the international charity organisations to not withhold their aid and to help our exhausted nation... so that the problems of the people could be solved," said new Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund in his first address to the nation since the Taliban took over.

(With inputs from agencies)

Since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, the nation has been struggling to battle extreme poverty. There have been reports of many Afghans selling possessions to buy food because the Taliban is unable to pay wages to civil servants.

Since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, the nation has been struggling to battle extreme poverty. There have been reports of many Afghans selling possessions to buy food because the Taliban is unable to pay wages to civil servants. Also, the urban communities are facing food insecurity similar to rural areas. Around 22 million Afghans, or more than half the country, will be facing an "acute" food shortage in the winter months. Keeping the current circumstances in mind, several international donors have agreed to release $280 million in aid to the poverty-stricken nation. A statement issued by World Bank states that the fund from the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) will go "to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan at this critical time." It added that the funds will go to UNICEF and the World Food Programme, which "have presence and logistics capacity on the ground in Afghanistan and will use these funds to cover financing gaps in their existing programs to deliver health and nutrition services directly to the Afghan people." Also read | Afghanistan's PM urges charities to keep offering aid as nation battles poverty The statement states that the UNICEF will receive $100 million while WFP will receive $180 million. There is also a threat of a “looming humanitarian crisis” in the country. Afghanistan had already been facing chronic poverty and drought but the situation has deteriorated since the Taliban seized power. In September, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said that its engagement with Afghanistan will remain suspended until there is clarity on the recognition of the government led by the Taliban. "We ask all the international charity organisations to not withhold their aid and to help our exhausted nation... so that the problems of the people could be solved," said new Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund in his first address to the nation since the Taliban took over. (With inputs from agencies)

As Afghanistan continues to battle poverty, donors approve release of $280M

Terrorist organisation Al Qaeda is attempting to rebuild its presence inside Taliban controlled Afghanistan. The war ravaged country was the base from which Al Qaeda planned the 9/11 attacks against US in 2001.

How to deal with the growth of Al Qaeda & ISIS?

In Afghanistan, the issue of natural calamities has become a headache. At least about 25 of the countries 34 provinces have been hit hard by drought.

Afghanistan faces severe drought

India will be sending aid, largely medicines, to Afghanistan on Saturday morning. The aid will be sent via the Kam air flight that arrived on Friday and brought 10 Indians and 94 Afghans including members of the Afghan Hindu-Sikh minority community.&nbsp;

The special Kam air flight was arranged by India under its Operation Devi Shakti that was launched in August to evacuate people from the country. Friday's evacuation included 9 children including 3 infants. The aid will be the first such supplies to the country since the Taliban takeover in August.

Remember, India has committed to provide 50,000 MT of wheat, essential lifesaving medicines and COVID-19 vaccines to the Afghan people as humanitarian assistance.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-taliban-declares-end-to-ceasefire-with-pak-government-vows-to-resume-attacks-435946">Pakistani Taliban declares end to ceasefire with Pak government; vows to resume attacks</a>

Since the assistance will be transferred via Pakistani territory, the modalities are still being discussed between New Delhi and Islamabad. Pakistan has in principle announced that it will allow Indian support to go Afghanistan over its territory.&nbsp;

The humanitarian situation in the country has deteriorated especially with the onset of winters

A total of 565 stranded people have been evacuated under "Operation Devi Shakti" before Friday's operation. 74 members of minority communities from Afghanistan, primarily Afghan Sikhs, were evacuated on board the special Indian Air Force/Air India flights arranged by the Government of India under Operation Devi Shakti.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-economic-collapse-is-happening-before-our-eyes-un-435781">Afghanistan's economic collapse is happening 'before our eyes': UN</a>

In the aftermath of the August Taliban takeover, the ministry of external affairs had set up a 24 x 7 Special Afghanistan Cell to facilitate repatriation and other requests from Afghanistan. In the month of August alone, the Special Afghanistan Cell responded to 3,436 telephone calls, 9,581 Whatsapp messages and 4,569 emails.

India’s development partnership with Afghanistan includes more than five hundred projects spread across each of the 34 provinces of the country in critical areas of power, water supply, road connectivity, healthcare, education, agriculture and capacity building. In all New Delhi has invested more than USD 3 billion in the country in last 2 decades.

India will be sending aid, largely medicines, to Afghanistan on Saturday morning. The aid will be sent via the Kam air flight that arrived on Friday and brought 10 Indians and 94 Afghans including members of the Afghan Hindu-Sikh minority community.

India will be sending aid, largely medicines, to Afghanistan on Saturday morning. The aid will be sent via the Kam air flight that arrived on Friday and brought 10 Indians and 94 Afghans including members of the Afghan Hindu-Sikh minority community. The special Kam air flight was arranged by India under its Operation Devi Shakti that was launched in August to evacuate people from the country. Friday's evacuation included 9 children including 3 infants. The aid will be the first such supplies to the country since the Taliban takeover in August. Remember, India has committed to provide 50,000 MT of wheat, essential lifesaving medicines and COVID-19 vaccines to the Afghan people as humanitarian assistance. ALSO READ | Pakistani Taliban declares end to ceasefire with Pak government; vows to resume attacks Since the assistance will be transferred via Pakistani territory, the modalities are still being discussed between New Delhi and Islamabad. Pakistan has in principle announced that it will allow Indian support to go Afghanistan over its territory. The humanitarian situation in the country has deteriorated especially with the onset of winters A total of 565 stranded people have been evacuated under "Operation Devi Shakti" before Friday's operation. 74 members of minority communities from Afghanistan, primarily Afghan Sikhs, were evacuated on board the special Indian Air Force/Air India flights arranged by the Government of India under Operation Devi Shakti. ALSO READ | Afghanistan's economic collapse is happening 'before our eyes': UN In the aftermath of the August Taliban takeover, the ministry of external affairs had set up a 24 x 7 Special Afghanistan Cell to facilitate repatriation and other requests from Afghanistan. In the month of August alone, the Special Afghanistan Cell responded to 3,436 telephone calls, 9,581 Whatsapp messages and 4,569 emails. India’s development partnership with Afghanistan includes more than five hundred projects spread across each of the 34 provinces of the country in critical areas of power, water supply, road connectivity, healthcare, education, agriculture and capacity building. In all New Delhi has invested more than USD 3 billion in the country in last 2 decades.

India to send humanitarian aid to Afghanistan on Saturday

It's a storm of crisis for war-torn Afghanistan as 25 out of 34 provinces have been hard hit by drought. Wheat harvests have also declined by 20%.

Post-war, natural calamities are battering Afghanistan

India evacuated 104 people, including 10 Indians and 94 Afghans, from Kabul under ‘Operation Devi Shakti’, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday.

The MEA informed that a special Kam Air flight was arranged by India to retrieve the evacuees.

"Under Operation Devi Shakti, a special Kam Air flight arranged by India has arrived in New Delhi from Kabul,” Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, said in a tweet.

“It has brought 10 Indians and 94 Afghans including members of the Afghan Hindu-Sikh minority community," Bagchi added.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Flash: Special flight from Kabul to Delhi to bring stranded Indians, Afghan Hindus &amp; Sikhs; 3 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji &amp; copy of Ramayan , Mahabharat &amp; Bhagvad Gita from ancient 5th Century Asamai Mandir, Kabul are along being flown: Puneet Singh Chandhok, Prz 
Indian World Forum <a href="https://t.co/ptk0Ctt0Qm">pic.twitter.com/ptk0Ctt0Qm</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1469174741143408644?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Apart from that, holy scriptures of Hindus and Sikhs, including three copies of Guru Granth Sahib, copy of Ramayan, Mahabharat and Bhagvad Gita from ancient 5th Century Asamai Mandir in Kabul, were also flown in.

It is learnt that both the Indian government and the Afghan embassy in Delhi coordinated to arrange for the flight.

According to reports, the flight is likely to fly back over 90 Afghan nationals stranded in India along with some medical supplies.

Puneet Singh Chandhok, president of Indian World Forum, in a statement earlier, said it's a matter of pride that the "three holy Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from historical Gurdwaras in Afghanistan and Hindu religious scriptures, including Ramanaya, Mahabharat and Bhagavad Gita," from the fifth century Asamai Mandir in Kabul are being brought to Delhi.

Last week, the Government stated in Lok Sabha that India has evacuated 565 stranded persons from Afghanistan since after Taliban ousted the civilian government in mid-August.

Answering a question from Congress MP Hibi Eden, Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said officials of the Ministry of External Affairs were in contact with the Indians left behind.

The statement, however, did not elaborate if the airlifted individuals also included some Afghans.

(With inputs from agencies)

India evacuated 104 people, including 10 Indians and 94 Afghans, from Kabul under ‘Operation Devi Shakti’, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday.

India evacuated 104 people, including 10 Indians and 94 Afghans, from Kabul under ‘Operation Devi Shakti’, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday. The MEA informed that a special Kam Air flight was arranged by India to retrieve the evacuees. "Under Operation Devi Shakti, a special Kam Air flight arranged by India has arrived in New Delhi from Kabul,” Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, said in a tweet. “It has brought 10 Indians and 94 Afghans including members of the Afghan Hindu-Sikh minority community," Bagchi added. Flash: Special flight from Kabul to Delhi to bring stranded Indians, Afghan Hindus & Sikhs; 3 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji & copy of Ramayan , Mahabharat & Bhagvad Gita from ancient 5th Century Asamai Mandir, Kabul are along being flown: Puneet Singh Chandhok, Prz Indian World Forum pic.twitter.com/ptk0Ctt0Qm — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) December 10, 2021 × Apart from that, holy scriptures of Hindus and Sikhs, including three copies of Guru Granth Sahib, copy of Ramayan, Mahabharat and Bhagvad Gita from ancient 5th Century Asamai Mandir in Kabul, were also flown in. It is learnt that both the Indian government and the Afghan embassy in Delhi coordinated to arrange for the flight. According to reports, the flight is likely to fly back over 90 Afghan nationals stranded in India along with some medical supplies. Puneet Singh Chandhok, president of Indian World Forum, in a statement earlier, said it's a matter of pride that the "three holy Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from historical Gurdwaras in Afghanistan and Hindu religious scriptures, including Ramanaya, Mahabharat and Bhagavad Gita," from the fifth century Asamai Mandir in Kabul are being brought to Delhi. Last week, the Government stated in Lok Sabha that India has evacuated 565 stranded persons from Afghanistan since after Taliban ousted the civilian government in mid-August. Answering a question from Congress MP Hibi Eden, Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said officials of the Ministry of External Affairs were in contact with the Indians left behind. The statement, however, did not elaborate if the airlifted individuals also included some Afghans. (With inputs from agencies)

India evacuates 104 people, including members of Hindu and Sikh community, from Kabul

Afghanistan's economic collapse is "happening before our eyes", says the UN humanitarian chief, as he called on the international community to intervene to avert further deaths.

Marty Griffiths told The Associated Press on Thursday that donor nations need to agree that, in addition to emergency humanitarian aid, they must meet Afghans' basic needs like education, hospitals, electricity and paying civil servants. As per him it is also essential to inject liquidity into the economy, which has seen the banking system "pretty well shut down."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-afghanistan-the-al-qaida-extremist-group-has-grown-slightly-us-army-general-435653" hreflang="en">In Afghanistan, the al-Qaida extremist group has grown slightly: US Army General</a>

"We're seeing the economic collapse being exponential," he said. "It's getting more and more dire by the week."

The liquidity issue in Afghanistan must be resolved by the end of the year, and money must be funnelled to frontline service workers during the winter, Griffiths said. He added that the worsening economic situation makes him rethink his earlier belief that Afghanistan could get through the winter with only humanitarian aid.

Four million children are out of school and nine million more will be soon, he said, because 70 per cent of teachers have not been paid since August.&nbsp;

"And if we don't make that happen, all that discussion about the right of women and girls going to school becomes academic," he said.

"So, my message today is a wake-up call about the humanitarian consequences of an economic collapse and the need to take urgent action," Griffiths said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-writes-to-afghan-missions-globally-to-fall-in-line-gets-tepid-response-434953" hreflang="en">Taliban writes to Afghan missions globally to fall in line, gets tepid response</a>

Despite Taliban promises of inclusion and tolerance toward women and ethnic minorities, the international community has been dismayed by their actions, which include renewing restrictions on women and appointing an all-male government.

As a result of the Taliban takeover, Afghanistan's aid-dependent economy was thrown into turmoil. Due to lack of clarity about the new government, Afghanistan's USD 9 billion in reserves, which are mostly held in the United States, were frozen and the International Monetary Fund blocked about USD 450 million.

Taliban leaders have banned foreign currency transactions and urged the US to ease sanctions so that teachers, doctors, and other government employees can be paid.

Griffiths said the UN is asking the US and other donors for money; which, he said, will not go to the Taliban, but instead directly to teachers, doctors, electricity providers, and other civil servants.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/facing-economic-collapse-afghanistan-is-gripped-by-starvation-434207" hreflang="en">Facing economic collapse, Afghanistan is gripped by starvation</a>

He said the consequences of Afghanistan's collapsed economy are becoming more visible -- reports of hospitals without electricity, malnutrition, and three or four children sharing one bed, as well as tens of thousands of unpaid doctors, teachers, and civil servants struggling to survive.

Despite the fact that the United States has always supported the provision of electricity in Afghanistan, he noted that 80 per cent of the electricity sources are "now at the brink of stoppage, and without electricity you have automatic consequences."

Watch |&nbsp;Desperation drives thousands of Afghans to cross into Iran

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Griffiths said the UN hoped to see USD 700 million come in by January 31 for services for the Afghan people. He said the World Bank reprogrammed USD 280 million to be used for humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan.

Unless crucial services are provided to the Afghan people, Griffiths warned, "we know what's going to happen."

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Afghanistan's economic collapse is "happening before our eyes", says the UN humanitarian chief, as he called on the international community to intervene to avert further deaths.

Afghanistan's economic collapse is "happening before our eyes", says the UN humanitarian chief, as he called on the international community to intervene to avert further deaths. Marty Griffiths told The Associated Press on Thursday that donor nations need to agree that, in addition to emergency humanitarian aid, they must meet Afghans' basic needs like education, hospitals, electricity and paying civil servants. As per him it is also essential to inject liquidity into the economy, which has seen the banking system "pretty well shut down." Also read | In Afghanistan, the al-Qaida extremist group has grown slightly: US Army General "We're seeing the economic collapse being exponential," he said. "It's getting more and more dire by the week." The liquidity issue in Afghanistan must be resolved by the end of the year, and money must be funnelled to frontline service workers during the winter, Griffiths said. He added that the worsening economic situation makes him rethink his earlier belief that Afghanistan could get through the winter with only humanitarian aid. Four million children are out of school and nine million more will be soon, he said, because 70 per cent of teachers have not been paid since August. "And if we don't make that happen, all that discussion about the right of women and girls going to school becomes academic," he said. "So, my message today is a wake-up call about the humanitarian consequences of an economic collapse and the need to take urgent action," Griffiths said. Also read | Taliban writes to Afghan missions globally to fall in line, gets tepid response Despite Taliban promises of inclusion and tolerance toward women and ethnic minorities, the international community has been dismayed by their actions, which include renewing restrictions on women and appointing an all-male government. As a result of the Taliban takeover, Afghanistan's aid-dependent economy was thrown into turmoil. Due to lack of clarity about the new government, Afghanistan's USD 9 billion in reserves, which are mostly held in the United States, were frozen and the International Monetary Fund blocked about USD 450 million. Taliban leaders have banned foreign currency transactions and urged the US to ease sanctions so that teachers, doctors, and other government employees can be paid. Griffiths said the UN is asking the US and other donors for money; which, he said, will not go to the Taliban, but instead directly to teachers, doctors, electricity providers, and other civil servants. Also read | Facing economic collapse, Afghanistan is gripped by starvation He said the consequences of Afghanistan's collapsed economy are becoming more visible -- reports of hospitals without electricity, malnutrition, and three or four children sharing one bed, as well as tens of thousands of unpaid doctors, teachers, and civil servants struggling to survive. Despite the fact that the United States has always supported the provision of electricity in Afghanistan, he noted that 80 per cent of the electricity sources are "now at the brink of stoppage, and without electricity you have automatic consequences." Watch | Desperation drives thousands of Afghans to cross into Iran Griffiths said the UN hoped to see USD 700 million come in by January 31 for services for the Afghan people. He said the World Bank reprogrammed USD 280 million to be used for humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan. Unless crucial services are provided to the Afghan people, Griffiths warned, "we know what's going to happen." (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan's economic collapse is happening 'before our eyes': UN

From&nbsp;Taliban-controlled Kabul, Radio Begum is broadcasting the voices of women that have been muted across Afghanistan.

Station staff fill the airwaves with programming for women, by women: educational shows, book readings and call-in counselling.

For now, they operate with the permission of the hardline Islamists who regained power in August and have limited the ability for women to work and girls to attend school.

"We're not giving up," pledged 48-year-old Hamida Aman, the station's founder, who&nbsp;grew up in Switzerland after her family fled Afghanistan a few years after the Soviet Union invaded.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-writes-to-afghan-missions-globally-to-fall-in-line-gets-tepid-response-434953">Taliban writes to Afghan missions globally to fall in line, gets tepid response</a>

"We have to show that we don't need to be scared," said Aman, who returned after the ousting of the&nbsp;Taliban's first regime in 2001 by US-led foreign forces.

"We must occupy the public sphere."

'Vessel for voices'

The station was founded on March 8, International Women's Day, this year, five months before the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;marched into Kabul and finalise their defeat of the US-backed government.

From a working-class neighbourhood, it continues to broadcast across Kabul and surrounding areas -- and live on Facebook.

"Begum" was a noble title used in South Asia, and it now generally refers to a married Muslim woman.&nbsp;

"This station is a vessel for women's voices, their pain, their frustrations," Aman said.

The&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;granted permission for the broadcaster to stay on the airwaves in September, albeit with new curbs.

Radio Begum's 10 or so employees used to share an office with male colleagues who worked on a youth radio station.

Now they are separated. Each sex has its own floor and a large opaque curtain has been installed in front of the women's office.

Pop music has been replaced with traditional songs and "quieter music", Aman said.

Nevertheless, staff members said working at the station was a "privilege", with many women government workers barred from returning to offices.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;have yet to formalise many of their policies, leaving gaps in how they are implemented by the group across the country.&nbsp;

Most public secondary schools for girls have been shut since the takeover.&nbsp;

But twice a day the radio studio resembles a classroom.

When AFP visited, six girls and three boys -- all aged 13 or 14 -- pored over their books as the presenter gave an on-air lesson about social justice.&nbsp;

"Social justice is opposed to extremism," said the 19-year-old teacher, a student of journalism until a few months ago.

"What is justice in Islam?" she asked.

'Golden opportunity'&nbsp;

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Mursal, a 13-year-old girl, has been going to the studio to study since the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;blocked some secondary schools from reopening.

"My message to girls who can't go to school is to listen to our program carefully, to use this golden chance and opportunity," she said.

"They may not have it again."

There are also on-air lessons for adults.&nbsp;

In one such lesson, station director Saba Chaman, 24, read the autobiography of Michelle Obama in Dari.

She is particularly proud of a show where listeners call in for psychological counselling.&nbsp;

In 2016, just 18 percent of women in Afghanistan were literate compared with 62 percent of men, according to the former education ministry.

"Women who are illiterate are like blind people," one woman who cannot read said on air.

"When I go to the pharmacy they give me expired medication. If I could read they wouldn't do it."

A few months after the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;seized power, Aman met with spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, and told him the radio was "working to give a voice to women".&nbsp;

He was "very encouraging", she said.

But the future is uncertain.

In September, the country's leading independent TV station Tolo News reported that more than 150 outlets had shut over restrictions and financial troubles.

Radio Begum is no longer taking in advertising revenue.

If no funds are received within three months, the voices of these women will disappear from the airwaves of Afghanistan, Chaman said.

"My only cause for hope at the moment is knowing that I'm doing something important in my life to help Afghan women."

From Taliban-controlled Kabul, Radio Begum is broadcasting the voices of women that have been muted across Afghanistan. Station staff fill the airwaves with programming for women, by women: educational shows, book readings and call-in counselling.

From Taliban-controlled Kabul, Radio Begum is broadcasting the voices of women that have been muted across Afghanistan. Station staff fill the airwaves with programming for women, by women: educational shows, book readings and call-in counselling. For now, they operate with the permission of the hardline Islamists who regained power in August and have limited the ability for women to work and girls to attend school. "We're not giving up," pledged 48-year-old Hamida Aman, the station's founder, who grew up in Switzerland after her family fled Afghanistan a few years after the Soviet Union invaded. ALSO READ | Taliban writes to Afghan missions globally to fall in line, gets tepid response "We have to show that we don't need to be scared," said Aman, who returned after the ousting of the Taliban's first regime in 2001 by US-led foreign forces. "We must occupy the public sphere." 'Vessel for voices' The station was founded on March 8, International Women's Day, this year, five months before the Taliban marched into Kabul and finalise their defeat of the US-backed government. From a working-class neighbourhood, it continues to broadcast across Kabul and surrounding areas -- and live on Facebook. "Begum" was a noble title used in South Asia, and it now generally refers to a married Muslim woman. "This station is a vessel for women's voices, their pain, their frustrations," Aman said. The Taliban granted permission for the broadcaster to stay on the airwaves in September, albeit with new curbs. Radio Begum's 10 or so employees used to share an office with male colleagues who worked on a youth radio station. Now they are separated. Each sex has its own floor and a large opaque curtain has been installed in front of the women's office. Pop music has been replaced with traditional songs and "quieter music", Aman said. Nevertheless, staff members said working at the station was a "privilege", with many women government workers barred from returning to offices. The Taliban have yet to formalise many of their policies, leaving gaps in how they are implemented by the group across the country. Most public secondary schools for girls have been shut since the takeover. But twice a day the radio studio resembles a classroom. When AFP visited, six girls and three boys -- all aged 13 or 14 -- pored over their books as the presenter gave an on-air lesson about social justice. "Social justice is opposed to extremism," said the 19-year-old teacher, a student of journalism until a few months ago. "What is justice in Islam?" she asked. 'Golden opportunity' × Mursal, a 13-year-old girl, has been going to the studio to study since the Taliban blocked some secondary schools from reopening. "My message to girls who can't go to school is to listen to our program carefully, to use this golden chance and opportunity," she said. "They may not have it again." There are also on-air lessons for adults. In one such lesson, station director Saba Chaman, 24, read the autobiography of Michelle Obama in Dari. She is particularly proud of a show where listeners call in for psychological counselling. In 2016, just 18 percent of women in Afghanistan were literate compared with 62 percent of men, according to the former education ministry. "Women who are illiterate are like blind people," one woman who cannot read said on air. "When I go to the pharmacy they give me expired medication. If I could read they wouldn't do it." A few months after the Taliban seized power, Aman met with spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, and told him the radio was "working to give a voice to women". He was "very encouraging", she said. But the future is uncertain. In September, the country's leading independent TV station Tolo News reported that more than 150 outlets had shut over restrictions and financial troubles. Radio Begum is no longer taking in advertising revenue. If no funds are received within three months, the voices of these women will disappear from the airwaves of Afghanistan, Chaman said. "My only cause for hope at the moment is knowing that I'm doing something important in my life to help Afghan women."

'We're not giving up. We don't need to be scared': The radio station for Afghan women

Afghanistan's envoy to India, Farid Mamundzay, has urged Indian government to grant visas to 2,500 Afghan students so that they can come back and complete studies in India.

These students have been studying in Indian universities such as University of Delhi, Osmania, JNU and lot of them in cities like Pune.&nbsp;Many of these students are first second and third year students.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/contradiction-of-announced-amnesty-us-slams-taliban-for-execution-of-afghan-soldiers-despite-surrender-434339" hreflang="en">'Contradiction of announced amnesty': US slams Taliban for execution of Afghan soldiers despite surrender</a>

"It is important to bring these 2500 student to India&nbsp;in order to resume their studies and hopefully contribute to rebuilding of Afghanistan in future," Envoy Farid Mamundzay said, and added that "overnight they haven't become Taliban".

As Afghanistan fell into the hands of Taliban on August 15, many of these Afghan students were stuck in the country. On&nbsp;August 25, India's ministry of home affairs announced that it has terminated all previously issued visas to Afghan nationals and new e-Emergency X-Misc visa system was instituted. The ministry in its release that day said, "Owing to the prevailing security situation in Afghanistan and streamlining of the visa process by introduction of the e-Emergency X-Misc visa, it has been decided that all Afghan nationals henceforth must travel to India only on e-Visa."

As of November, India has given 200 e-Emergency X-Misc visas to Afghans. That is around four visas per million, far less that many United States and many European countries.&nbsp;Now, New Delhi has extended visas of 4,557 Afghans who are staying in India in view of the current turmoil in that country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/women-are-noble-and-free-human-beings-taliban-issues-decree-on-women-rights-433753" hreflang="en">Women are 'noble and free human beings': Taliban issues decree on women rights</a>

India also evacuated 565 people including 438 Indians from Afghanistan, post Taliban takeover of the country under the "Operation Devi Shakti". The special Afghanistan cell of ministry of external affairs has been in touch with the remaining stranded Indians as well as members of the Afghan minority community.

India has been a hub for education for Afghan students since decades. Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai is a pass out of Himachal Pradesh University; he had come to India as an exchange student in 1976. Former Afghan President Mohammad Najibullah, who was killed by Taliban in 1996, was an alumni of St Joseph's school in Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, India.

Afghanistan's envoy to India, Farid Mamundzay, has urged Indian government to grant visas to 2,500 Afghan students so that they can come back and complete studies in India.

Afghanistan's envoy to India, Farid Mamundzay, has urged Indian government to grant visas to 2,500 Afghan students so that they can come back and complete studies in India. These students have been studying in Indian universities such as University of Delhi, Osmania, JNU and lot of them in cities like Pune. Many of these students are first second and third year students. Also read | 'Contradiction of announced amnesty': US slams Taliban for execution of Afghan soldiers despite surrender "It is important to bring these 2500 student to India in order to resume their studies and hopefully contribute to rebuilding of Afghanistan in future," Envoy Farid Mamundzay said, and added that "overnight they haven't become Taliban". As Afghanistan fell into the hands of Taliban on August 15, many of these Afghan students were stuck in the country. On August 25, India's ministry of home affairs announced that it has terminated all previously issued visas to Afghan nationals and new e-Emergency X-Misc visa system was instituted. The ministry in its release that day said, "Owing to the prevailing security situation in Afghanistan and streamlining of the visa process by introduction of the e-Emergency X-Misc visa, it has been decided that all Afghan nationals henceforth must travel to India only on e-Visa." As of November, India has given 200 e-Emergency X-Misc visas to Afghans. That is around four visas per million, far less that many United States and many European countries. Now, New Delhi has extended visas of 4,557 Afghans who are staying in India in view of the current turmoil in that country. Also read | Women are 'noble and free human beings': Taliban issues decree on women rights India also evacuated 565 people including 438 Indians from Afghanistan, post Taliban takeover of the country under the "Operation Devi Shakti". The special Afghanistan cell of ministry of external affairs has been in touch with the remaining stranded Indians as well as members of the Afghan minority community. India has been a hub for education for Afghan students since decades. Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai is a pass out of Himachal Pradesh University; he had come to India as an exchange student in 1976. Former Afghan President Mohammad Najibullah, who was killed by Taliban in 1996, was an alumni of St Joseph's school in Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, India.

Grant 2500 Afghan students visas to complete studies, Afghan envoy urges India

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